Israel's ultimatum: Hamas has until end of Trump's visit to reach hostage deal

Arutz Sheva ^ | 5/5/25 | Nitsan Keidar

[Eleutheria5]

A senior security source addressed the expansion of the fighting in Gaza, which has been codenamed "Operation Gideon Chariots," and says that the goal will be "to defeat and subdue Hamas in Gaza and release all hostages."

According to the source, "In accordance with the plan formulated by the Chief of Staff and the IDF Command and approved by the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister, the IDF will increase its forces and act forcefully to defeat and subdue Hamas and destroy its military and governmental capabilities, while creating strong pressure for the release of all the hostages. A strong protective envelope will be provided to the forces maneuvering from land, air, and sea, while using heavy equipment to neutralize explosive devices and destroy threatening structures."

The security source noted that the IDF intends to create a complete separation between Gazan civilians and Hamas terrorists. "A central component of the plan is the broad evacuation of the entire Gazan population from the fighting zones, including northern Gaza, to areas in southern Gaza, while creating a separation between them and Hamas terrorists - in order to allow the IDF operational freedom of action. Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in any area that is conquered, in order to prevent the return of terrorism, and will handle any area that is cleared in accordance with the Rafah model, where all threats were eliminated and it became part of the security zone."

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TOPICS: Gaza; Hamas; Israel; War
KEYWORDS: hostages; trumpvisit; ultimatum; witkoff

[Eleutheria5]

And the tunnels, that undermine any effort to separate the civilians from Hamas? And might contain hostages?

[Opinionated Blowhard]

Everyone needs to stop announcing “ultimatums.” Continue to kill Hamas while you negotiate. Pressure them until they crack. They will get the message.

[Lurker]

I’m very sorry to say this, but it’s time to declare the hostages dead and do what needs to be done. If any are found alive, great.

But Hamas cannot be allowed to use them as shields any longer. Any innocents killed as a result of this operation are the fault of those sub human savages, not Israel.

L

[jjotto]

I don’t believe the Netanyahu government is actually in charge of the IDF. Senior command of the IDF will likely continue their raid-and-retreat non-victory as a means of undermining Netanyahu.

[Jaysin]

” but it’s time to declare the hostages dead and do what needs to be done.”

It doesn’t work like that here in Israel, for whatever it’s worth.

I do believe that we are going to end this soon though, even if it risks the death of the remanining living hostages. We have Trump’s clear vision of emptying gaza of arabs, and if we have to destroy every building and make it a wasteland to enable that, then I think this is the time.
I can say with confidence that when we do make that final move, that we will attempt multiple simultaneous rescue operations in the hopes that we can save at least a few of them, despite the slim chances.

[Tell It Right]

I predict soon that many Israelis will create new types of living wills on how to handle being a hostage.

[knarf]

THAT has always been the fear, but we/they can't wait perpetually because of a threat.

If it was MY son, daughter, wife or husband . . . after all this time, I'd allow God to fix MY heart to let him or her go.

The Gaza will not be mended or re-constructed if nothing to do so is ever done.

[marron]

This must not end while Hamas leaders still draw breath.

[Gay State Conservative]

I’ve got bad news for Israel. There’s no way that the moslem savages will allow a single hostage to survive. And they should proceed without them coming home.

[libertylover]

Well put. Thank you.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

Too patient. Weakness exampled.